Experience:

• President and School Board Member, Brisbane Elementary School District, 2014-2017
• Chair and Commissioner, Parks and Recreation Commission, City of Brisbane, 2012-2017
• President and Board Member, Brisbane Dance Workshop, 2000-2017
• Co-Owner, Silverspot Graphics Promotional Products, 2011-present
• Co-Owner, Red Dog Productions, 1995-2008
• Product Manager, Levi Strauss & Co, 1990-1995
• Dance and Performance Art Critic, Dance Magazine, New York City, 1984-1989

I’ve long had a passion for education. My husband and adored being in the classroom of our daughters’ cooperative nursery school. My goal as a parent -- to nurture my children's love of learning -- led to early home education, where we explored the styles of classical and Waldorf to provide a creative and personalized curriculum. 

Later, when our daughters attended public middle and high schools, I was eager to understand the challenges of public education, and ran for the Brisbane Elementary School Board. There, I was able to bring my experience on boards and commissions, plus my personal interest in learning to the Board. Always wanting to be engaged and make improvements, I made it a point to attend school events and talk to staff, parents, and students. I returned every email and phone call promptly, and learned that there were areas in need of positive change. We hired a new superintendent, improved the school lunch, began Board office hours, and worked with the City of Brisbane to provide after school activities at our middle school. 

Three years into my term, my daughter had the opportunity to sign a two-year contract to work and perform in Japan. It was required that a parent accompany her, so I took leave and went with her to Tokyo. Now my daughter is a university student in Japan, and I am back home, looking forward to serving my community once more. 

There is so much that is drawing me back to the school board. Home learning or partial at school learning necessitated by Covid-19 is a District challenge, but one that can be met with creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness. I hope to again be an advocate for students, parents, teachers, and staff and strive for the best local education possible, whatever the situation. We should build upon our partnerships with local organizations such as San Bruno Mountain Watch, the Brisbane Lion’s Club, and the Boys & Girls Club of Daly City to provide engaging learning opportunities. We could do the same with our local businesses through our Chambers of Commerce.  

I have the interest, drive, and energy to tirelessly work on behalf of my community to help the District to reach its full potential. I hope that you will allow me to be your public servant by honoring me with your vote. Thank you for your time.

I've spent the last month walking around the District (in mask and gloves) and from six feet away have talked to many families about the challenges of education at home during a pandemic. Keeping students focused and on track can be difficult. Often kids are not that interested in Zoom content or work provided, and parents are concerned. Too much time inside, not enough exercise, video games a temptation -- so much for parents to juggle, especially if they are working. 

And with the concerns come so many good ideas. I've found our school community to be made up of parents who care deeply about education, want the best for their kids, respect our teachers, and strive for improvement. As a Board member, I initiated opportunities to both communicate and to listen to our parents and staff. I began office hours, rotating between pairs of Board members. I started the District Luminary column. And I created subcommittees to examine areas of parent advocacy, such as improvement of the school lunches. Now, with Covid upon us, I'd like to create an ad hoc committee that includes parents, staff, and Board members, a forum to share ideas and talk about what is working and what could be improved. Let's come together and learn from each other.

I am a mom to 2 recent district graduates and have lived in Brisbane since 2014. After working in the biotech industry as a technical educator, I was able to take several years to stay at home with my children and devote my energy as a committed school volunteer both in the classroom and after-school learning center. I became a substitute teacher for our district to understand how our schools work from the inside. Having worked in nearly every classroom in our three schools, I gained valuable insight into what it is like to be a teacher and student in our district. I served as an officer of the Lipman PTO, BEST/PTO, and Brisbane Dance Workshop to support and improve the experience of our community's children. Currently, I run a non-profit organization in San Francisco.

I was born and raised in New Jersey, went to college in Rochester, NY, and have lived in a variety of places, including NYC, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, and San Francisco. In my spare time, I love to hike San Bruno Mountain, go on long walks around Crocker Park with my children, and hope to get back to the ballpark with my husband. I love Brisbane and its small, tight community and am happy to have had my children thrive in our schools.

My name is Jacque McLaughlin. I am married to Roel Funke, and we have two children, Aidan and Ida Funke. Growing up the youngest of 6 children I was raised in a home where good citizenship and the pursuit of education were of the greatest importance. We work to instill these same values in our children, cultivating curiosity, recognizing and celebrating our children as individuals, while chaperoning them on the path of being life-long learners. 

From my start as a coop preschool parent to being continually involved with our district during our children’s years at BES and Lipman, I have brought dedication, energy and creativity to every task I have taken on. Through my involvement, I know the challenges faced by our public schools. I have always cherished the small size of our district for our youngest learners. A long-term vision for our district is important, however it should not distract from our current needs and the goal of continuously updating and improving the schools we have. Small districts need to work together, share resources and assist one another as we each work towards our district’s unique vision. As a board member I provide collective financial oversight; when solicited, support our education professionals; champion our educators; and advocate for our students and families currently enrolled in our schools. The children and families of BES, Panorama and Lipman deserve the very best community and education we can provide. Along with academic achievement, social justice, self care and mindfulness are critically important to a child’s education. These skills are especially vital today as our students navigate current events, and adapt to the isolation brought on by COVID19. We need to keep our community focused, engaged, healthy and safe. 

• I hold a master’s degree in fine arts. 
• For 13 years I worked as a Creative Director for a medical communications agency in San Francisco. In 2018 I resigned to start my own business. 
• Outside of enjoying time with my animals, family and friends, I most enjoy being in water, or absorbed listening to live music. 

I have had the honor of serving my first term as a trustee of the Brisbane School District and I am seeking re-election.  I know first-hand the value of a small district. I will continue to support our cooperation with the Bayshore and Jefferson school districts to ensure that the most equitable educational opportunities will be available to all students on the north end of the peninsula while maintaining our local control. I understand that investing in our teachers and staff is essential for student success and will continue to be their champion. Continually guided by our district’s mission of growing critical thinkers, who are engaged in real world learning experiences in a safe and enriching environment, I will continue to work with our teachers and administrators to navigate the uncharted waters surrounding the impact of COVID19, realizing we get one chance to do this properly. I have advocated for and participated in our schools for 18 years. I take pride in seeing how our district improves yearly and feel privileged to be part of its evolution. I respectfully ask for your vote. 

Since moving to Brisbane in 2016, I have advocated for getting a high school for our local communities, so that ninth through twelfth graders do not have to commute, sometimes for over an hour door-to-door. All students should be able take a quick drive or walk to school.

When past development occurred in Brisbane, our community negotiated for resources like the pool and Mission Blue Center. I am confident we can again, this time for a K-12 school that would serve all students in our area.

The opportunity to be a board member of the Brisbane Elementary School District would be my first official role in Brisbane. I played an active role in campaigning for measure JJ, as I saw incredible potential for providing educational opportunities from the Baylands development. I am clear my education—particularly from my parents and teachers—was key in guiding me to the path that allowed me to live here. In my high school and college years, I worked for the Napa Parks and Recreation Services Department, including as a camp counselor and camp director. Currently I am the director of ecommerce for a skincare company.

I will speak up for Brisbane parents who are typically underrepresented in conversations about our District's schools. It's important for me to listen to all stakeholders and consider needs holistically, when campaigning and making decisions. Although I may not agree with every constituent, I will hear them out and think about their recommendations and feedback. My intention is to help educate the community by providing more information about the topics they care about.